Crock Pot Pork Carnitas is the perfect recipe for an easy weeknight meal!
Here is a very simple 5 ingredient, pork carnitas recipe for the crock pot. Prepare all ingredients in the morning before you leave for work. (10 minutes) When you get home, shred the pork and keep warm in the crock pot until you are ready to eat. My kids love this, especially on practice nights.
Carnitas, literally “little meats,” is a dish of Mexican cuisine originating from the state of Michoacán. Carnitas are made by braising or simmering pork in oil or preferably lard until tender. The process takes three or four hours and the result is very tender and juicy meat, which is then typically served with choppedcoriander leaves (cilantro) and diced onion, salsa, guacamole, tortillas, and refried beans (frijoles refritos). Wikipedia.com
This Crock Pot Pork Carnitas recipe can be used for many types of dishes. Leftovers make great summer lunches when the kids want something quick. If you have a favorite recipe you would like converted to be cooked in the crock pot, let me know and I will give it a shot.
Here are some great slow cooker tips from crock-pot.com
How do I prevent meat from drying out?
- To prevent poultry from drying out, use chicken thighs—they have more fat and won’t dry out as quickly, Cook thighs for about six hours and breasts for a maximum of five hours on low heat. Beef, depending on the cut, is much more forgiving. For better results, use stewing beef, short ribs, or brisket as opposed to a rib steak or a sirloin.
How much liquid should I use?
- Liquid (Stock, Water, and Wine) – In most instances, is not necessary to use more than ½ – 1 cup of liquid since juices in meats and vegetables are retained more in slow cooking than in conventional cooking.
- Excess liquid can be reduced and concentrated for great flavor. You can reduce excess liquid by slow cooking on the stove-top, removing meat and vegetables from stoneware or stirring in cornstarch, tapioca or tapioca powder and setting the slow cooker to high approximately 15 minutes until juices are thickened.
Does liquid evaporate in the slow cooker?
- Slow cookers have very little evaporation. If making a stove top recipe for a soup, stew, or sauce, reduce the liquid or water. If the meal result is too thick, liquids can be added later.
Can I cook frozen meats in my slow cooker?
- Frozen or partially frozen foods require a longer cook time in a slow cooker than the recipe indicates for a stovetop or oven. Using an instant read thermometer is recommended to ensure meat is cooked through and tender.
- Frozen meats can be cooked in a slow cooker, however, it is best to use the following guidelines: Add at least 1 cup of warm liquid to the stoneware before placing meat in the stoneware. Do not preheat the slow cooker. Cook recipes containing frozen meats for an additional 4 to 6 hours on low, or an additional 2 hours on high.
Is it safe to leave the slow cooker on when I’m not home?
- Yes. Crock-Pot® Slow Cookers are safe for countertop cooking for extended periods of time. If holding food on the warm setting for a long time, cut back on the cook time accordingly to reduce overcooking.
Why does my food get overcooked, even on the low setting?
- To avoid over- or under-cooking, always fill the stoneware ½ to ¾ full to conform to recommended cook times with the exception of certain cakes and custards, and as guided in our slow cooker recipes.
Can I place my food in the slow cooker the night before and keep in the refrigerator?
- Yes, but it is very important to understand that starting to cook with cold stoneware and cold food will affect the ramp up time of the slow cooker. Always add sufficient time into the cook time to ensure food is safe, as well as tender. It is recommended to use an instant read thermometer when cooking with chilled stoneware and chilled food to ensure food temperatures reach well above 165°F and food becomes tender. Never place your stoneware (whether it has been refrigerated or is at room temperature) in a pre-heated slow cooker base.
Can I halve a slow cooker recipe?
- It is best not to cut a recipe in half for the crock pot. A full crock pot cooks more evenly and keeps foods from drying out. Make extra and freeze for another meal.
Can I stir when the food is slow cooking?
- Due to the nature of a slow cooker, there is no need to stir the food unless it specifically says to in your recipe. In fact, taking the lid off to stir food causes the slow cooker to lose a significant amount of heat, extending the cooking time required. Therefore, it is best not to remove the lid for stirring.
Here are suggested cooking times and tips from crock-pot.com
Cooking times:
Meat Cut Meat Weight Low Cook Time High Cook Time Large Pork Roast* 6-7 lbs 9 ½ hours 7 ½ hours Pork Loin 3-4 lbs 6 hours 5 hours Poultry** 6 lbs 7 ½ hours 6 ¼ hours Beef Roast 3-4 lbs 8 hours 5 ¾ hours Stew Meat 3 lbs 6 hours 4 ¾ hours Fish*** 2 lbs 3 ½ hours 1 ½ hours
Note: All cook times are approximate. Appropriate cook time varies according to specific meat characteristics for fat content and connective tissue as well as other ingredients added to dish, including liquid, size of meat cubes, type of vegetable, size of vegetable dice, how high slow cooker is filled, etc.
* Pork butt, pork shoulder ** Whole chicken, Bone-in turkey breast *** If fish is stirred in after Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker has been fully heated to stabilization/simmer point, it will cook within 15-30 minutes.
Crock Pot Pork Carnitas is the 17th recipe in my yearlong series “26 weeks of slow cooker meals” make sure you check out all my easy slow cooker meals at my Crock Pot Recipe page.
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- 1 (2-4 lb.) pork sirloin roast
- 2 tbsp, taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp, onion soup mix.
- 1 (7 oz.) can Herdez Salsa Ranchera. This is a smoky chilpotle style salsa. It is a little spicy. Feel free to substitute 1 cup of your favorite salsa.
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
Rub meat with taco and onion soup mix seasonings. Get the recipe here Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix
- Place in crock pot.
- Pour salsa and broth over meat.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Shred meat and return to crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce and keep on warm until ready to serve.
- Serve carnitas in tortillas or on a salad with sauce.
- Add condiments of your choice. Here are my favorite toppings: rice, beans, chopped tomato, onion, olives. sour cream, fresh cilantro and cheese.
By Quinn Caudill for DadWhats4Dinner.com © June 2016
(TIP For an added flavor sauce the cooked pork, in a large pan, over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp up the meat just before serving)
I also will be bringing my Crock Pot Pork Carnitas recipe to Freedom Fridays, Friday Favorites, Fiesta Friday, Weekend Potluck, What’s Cooking Wednesdays. Checkout my Link Parties Page for other great places to find new recipes.
GFLife247 says
This dish looks so flavorful, and thanks for all the crockpot tips and tricks. We don’t have a crockpot yet, but I hope to have one someday, and you answered so many of my questions! Happy FF and have a wonderful weekend!
Quinn Caudill says
Happy FF also. With 3 kids I use my crock pot a lot. I try to be inventive with what I make and keep changing it up. It is a handy tool you might need later in life. :)))
Jhuls says
This sounds great. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the tips. These all would be useful. Have a lovely weekend. xx
Stephanie @ The Cozy Cook says
Sounds delicious, I’ve been wanting to make this dish for a while- I love the corona in the background, perfect combo! 😉
Quinn Caudill says
Thanks it is delicious. The cooked pork is very versatile. Would be great on nachos.
chefjulianna says
Mmmm! This is a perfect reason for me to dust off my crock-pot! 😀
Quinn Caudill says
Thanks for stopping by. Love my crockpot. Have a great day. Quinn
Natasha Fredrickson says
Sounds so easy and yet so delicious! I love my slow cooker so much! What a life saver when you have a million things to do! Thanks for sharing!
Quinn Caudill says
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I use my crock pot at least twice a week. The cooked pork is very versatile. Would be great on nachos.
Natasha Fredrickson says
Did you say nachos!? Now I’m really drooling! * Clean up on aisle 3!* 😀
K @ Peeled Wellness says
I’ve made similar recipes with chicken or steak- I’ve never tried pork though. Thank you for sharing this!
xoxo K
http://peeledwellness.com
Quinn Caudill says
Thanks K. It works best with a pork roast of some type. Not a good use of a pork tenderloin. Cheaper cuts work the best.
I have a few more crock pot recipes on my blog. I have about 10 in edit mode. I try to use it 2 times a week.. Mostly out of necessity. :)))))
Lili says
Looks really yummy and thanks for the tips – I need to start using my slow cooker more and not just for rice! 🙂
Johanne Lamarche says
Simple and delicious. Like the addition of salsa!
Quinn Caudill says
Thanks!! That small can of Herdez Ranchera salsa adds plenty of smoky flavor. I use it in many recipes. Wish they would pay me :))))
FrugalHausfrau says
I see I stopped by and “liked” but I must not have commented before – I must not have been hungry! I just stopped by Fiesta Friday and saw the photo again, clicked back and this does look so mouthwatering! I swear I’m drooling just a bit! 🙂
I love that you gave so much info on the crockpot, too. I never read manuals, don’t have any idea where mine is, so it is so nice to see! I should use mine more!
Quinn Caudill says
Your too kind! :)))) I think I need to make the crock pot info a separate post and a new page.
FrugalHausfrau says
That would be a great idea – and maybe make it a series!
Quinn Caudill says
Crock pot or cooking tips? I need to listen to you more often. :)))
FrugalHausfrau says
Oh, and I forgot to say, I love Herdez, too!
FrugalHausfrau says
Well, I was thinking Crock pot – but either would be great!
elamb says
You make this sound so easy! I can see why you and the kids would enjoy this after a busy day. Great recipe! Happy FF#65 🙂
Quinn Caudill says
Thanks. I am glad to here my writing makes it sound easy. I always worry if my directions come across clearly. Thanks for the feedback.
Angie says
Hey Quinn, forgot to tell you I made this a couple of days ago. It was goood!! The leftover I served over rice, a la Chipotle’s burrito bowl. Even better! More crockpot recipes, please! 😀
Quinn Caudill says
Thanks Angie, I am glad you made it and gave me some feedback. I’m really happy you liked it. :)))) I try to make extra of ever thing for lunches or dinner the next day. I also freeze many meals for later. I will definitely be posting more crock pot recipes. My next post is Crock Pot Blackened Pork County Ribs. Also check out my crock pot page. Thanks for following my blog and leaving feedback. Quinn
Angie says
No problem, I love trying out recipes. Can’t wait for that Blackened Pork Ribs! 🙂
Colleen says
I’m so glad to find another crockpot happy person in this world. I celebrate Crockpot Mondays and am always looking for new ideas. Your helpful hints are a nice touch!
Quinn Caudill says
I have plenty of them. Have a great weekend.
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
I love pork carnitas and this recipe has my name all over it! Pinned and shared of course!
FrugalHausfrau says
Quinn, I saw these on Fiesta Friday and I swear my stomach growled, lol! I want one right now…
Happy FF!
Mollie
bunsinmyoven says
I love crock pot meals like this one! Thanks for linkin’ up with What’s Cooking Wednesday!
Sherry says
These look so delish! I love pork carnitas. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us at Funtastic Friday.
Michelle Allison says
I found your blog at the Grow Your Blog linkup on Facebook. I enjoy the clear concise writing, instead of a long, drawn out story followed by a recipe. What you had to say was relevant, and helpful. I do lots of crockpot cooking, so I’ll be pinning this post for later.
Quinn Caudill says
Thanks Michelle. I try to get my point across with a little humor and story thrown in. But it is a food blog so I figure if you are here you want a recipe or tips. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow the blog and Dad Whats 4 Dinner on social media!
Allison Mattina says
I love slow cooker recipes and this one looks especially delicious!
Quinn Caudill says
It is really good and perfect for the family on weeknights. Thanks for stopping by!
lepetitchef says
These are making me SO hungry!
Quinn Caudill says
Yes, it does that for me too! Thanks for stopping by!
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
Don’t you love slow cookers? They are so easy when you’re super busy and trying to cook for a family. These carnitas sound awesome!! My son would devour them. He loves food like this. 🙂
Quinn Caudill says
I use mine at least twice a week even in the summer. Thanks for stopping by Kimberly!
Maggie Unzueta says
Crockpot… YES! I love taking the shortcut where I can.
Quinn Caudill says
Love my crock pot! :))